Using composite images to assess accuracy in personality attribution to faces

Authors: Little, Anthony C.¹; Perrett, David I.²

Source: British Journal of Psychology, Volume 98, Number 1, February 2007 , pp. 111-126(16)

Publisher: British Psychological Society

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Abstract:

Several studies have demonstrated some accuracy in personality attribution using only visual appearance. Using composite images of those scoring high and low on a particular trait, the current study shows that judges perform better than chance in guessing others' personality, particularly for the traits conscientiousness and extraversion. This study also shows that attractiveness, masculinity and age may all provide cues to assess personality accurately and that accuracy is affected by the sex of both of those judging and being judged. Individuals do perform better than chance at guessing another's personality from only facial information, providing some support for the popular belief that it is possible to assess accurately personality from faces.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1348/000712606X109648

Affiliations: 1: School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK 2: School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK

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